Will lead state in fighting DACA repeal

"We will not stand idly by while 17,000 of our students, our co-workers, and our neighbors are ripped from their homes and sent to places they have never known. As governor, I will not allow state resources to be used to help implement any scheme that
would tear families apart. Our state patrol will not help transport DREAMERS, our Department of Corrections will not incarcerate them for ICE, our schools will not report them, and we will never abandon them."

Protect immigrants living in the country illegally

Johnston emphasized that his campaign will attract Sanders supporters--specifically his focus on college affordability, protecting immigrants living in the country illegally and his record against accepting campaign contributions from political action
committees. "I think the Bernie folks will find a lot of the values that they share will be evidenced in our campaign," Johnston said in an interview.

The move will draw young supporters Johnston needs to build a campaign but it will open him to political attacks from Republican critics.
A GOP operative remarked that Johnston is "clearly making an appeal to run on the far left of his party with Bernie Sanders-style promises" and suggested his platform amounts to a "government force to make Coloradans pay for more programs."